PDA Society

We are a UK-based charity offering information, support and training about PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). Charity number 1165038.

The PDA Society started out as the PDA Contact Group, set up in 1997 by parents of children with a PDA profile of autism, and became a registered charity in January 2016. Our registered charity number is 1165038. We provide information, support and training about PDA for individuals, families and professionals.

12/06/2026

We live in a world that isn't always PDA-friendly, and so it can be easy for the challenges we face to eclipse everything else. That's why we want to celebrate what went well for you this week (or was at least less catastrophic than you thought)...

One of the hardest things is when no one understands that you've genuinely achieved something HUGE, so you never know who you might be helping when you share.

(We might highlight some of these comments anonymously in future posts - if you would rather we didn't you're very welcome to let us know)

11/06/2026

Sleeping difficulties are so common for neurodivergent children and adults - whether that's having difficulties switching off, waking up early, sleeping too much, or sleeping at odd times.

We've all heard that good sleep hygiene advice too, which usually relies on creating strict habits and routines. Whilst this works really well for some people, for PDA children particularly this can actually increase the demands and pressure around sleep.

In this episode we’re chatting to Nathalie Shek about common sleeping difficulties in neurodivergent children and ideas to make life a little easier. Nathalie is a paediatric occupational therapist who works with neurodivergent children, young people and families.

You can catch up on all our podcast through the PDA Training Hub, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

09/06/2026

As we get towards the end of the academic year, your thoughts might (sadly) already be turning to September planning: https://ow.ly/fMbr50Z8Nng

For teachers, learning assistants, SENCOs or education leaders who will be supporting PDA autistic children next year, this two-part training will help you make your school a PDA-friendly space.

The majority of PDA children struggle to attend school regularly, but the right adjustments can make a world of difference and help every child access the education they deserve.

If you have any questions about the content feel free to get in touch below or at [email protected].

07/06/2026

We're right in the middle of exam season, which can be an incredibly stressful time for young people and parents.

For some PDAers this might mean extra demands around revision, sitting in stifling exam rooms, or maybe not being ready to take exams at all and feeling left behind.

Although they might feel like the end of the world at the time, life goes on after school, and for many PDAers it even get's a bit easier as we get older.

What would you tell your younger self now if you could?

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

Being a parent of a PDAer can be an isolating experience - from the lack of support, the stress of not being believed, and the pressures to conform to parenting approaches which might not be right for our child.

And when we're afraid of being judged, it can be a real barrier to seeking the support we need as parents.

In this episode we’re chatting with therapist Christine MacInnis (LMFT) about some of the challenges parents of PDAers face when looking for support, and how we can recognise PDA-affirming therapeutic practice.

Catch up through the PDA Training Hub or wherever you get your podcasts: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

02/06/2026

We're so so excited to share our next fundraising comedy gig with you on July 17th at the Union Chapel in London: https://ow.ly/Ntt250Z6Eyv

We've got an incredible line-up including Ed Gamble, Rosie Jones, Jamali Maddix and Lara Ricote - we're really grateful to have the support of these talented comedians.

With funding in the charity sector more difficult than ever before, these gigs are a vital (and fun) way for us to raise funds to support PDA families. If you aren't able to join us, we'd love it if you could still share the event with your friends and family.

We also know it's not always easy to get up to London for PDA families, so we've also got a few free tickets to give away to PDAers and their plus one - if you're interested, please get in touch at [email protected].

01/06/2026

If you want to get ahead with your CPD in the next academic year, our PDA for Educators course has everything you need to feel more confident supporting PDA children: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/product/pda-for-educators/

PDA is a profile of autism which is often misunderstood or overlooked because it doesn't fit mainstream ideas about autism.

On this two-part online training, you'll learn how to recognise PDA and how small adjustments can make the classroom a safer space for PDA children.

This training is aimed at anyone working with children in an education setting, but parents and other professionals are also welcome.

28/05/2026

Many children don't thrive in a traditional classroom environment, but for PDAers the rules and restrictions in school can be particularly difficult. Over time self-esteem can really drop when all a child hears is that they are failing to do what is being asked.

In this episode we’re chatting to David Boxall from Elysian, who provide alternative farm-based education, and we'll discuss how animal therapy can support children who have been failed by a mainstream education setting to build back their confidence.

Catch up through the PDA Training Hub below or wherever you get your podcasts: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Address

PO Box 6080
Sheffield
S129EW

Website

http://linktr.ee/PDASociety

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